Central Coast Council is responding to the severe weather event currently impacting the Central Coast, regularly communicating information with the community as needed and mobilising crews on the ground.The NSW Government announced earlier this week that the Central Coast has been included in the Natural Disaster Declaration, which will allow people affected by this weather event to be eligible for flood assistance.While recorded rainfall has been lower than Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts over the last few days, localised heavy downpours were experienced in Gosford on Monday and within the Coast’s catchments.

Registrations are now open for the Central Coast Series Skate and Scooter Competition, which returns this year with a total prize pool of over $3,000.Council will host the event in one action-packed day at Bato Yard this year, rather than several days of competition.

The major upgrade of Gosford CBD’s water and sewer network is approaching an important milestone with Central Coast Council to begin key works at Showground Road, Adcock Avenue, Young Street, Racecourse Road and Central Coast Highway from March 2022.This critical new water and sewer infrastructure for Gosford – proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF) and part of a $42.5 million funding package – will future-proof the city for forecast population growth and enable the flagship development needed to create a fitting capital for the Central Coast. Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said the next phase of transforming Gosford starts underground. “Gosford is a rapidly changing city – we’ve seen a number of major developments completed and a great deal more are planned and forecast – it is vital that we have the water and sewer infrastructure in place to ensure Gosford’s potential is realised,” Mr Loader said.“Through HAF funding Council is delivering a series of major projects across the Gosford CBD to upgrade and future-proof our assets and ensure the city has a reliable water and sewer service now and well into the future.“The upgrade works span 66 water and sewer projects and stretches from the Gosford waterfront, through the Gosford CBD shopping precinct, to areas in the vicinity of Gosford Hospital and Gosford Golf Course."Some key works around Gosford Hospital were completed early to meet the demands of the newly upgraded facility, this included increasing pipeline diameters and constructing a ring main around the hospital to improve surety of supply.“We are now moving forward with the remaining program of works that will be key to ensuring the revitalisation of Gosford is realised.” Sewer projects to get underway from March include:replacement of Sewer Rising Main for Pumping Stations at Showground Roadreplacement of Sewer Pump Station at Showground Road and associated Gravity Mains, Rising Main and PSS works.

Central Coast Council is calling on creatives and event organisers to run workshops, activations, master classes or live performances and events to be part of the first ever Central Coast Music Festival program in Gosford. Central Coast Music Festival will debut from Saturday 12 to Sunday 18 September 2022 and deliver a live music festival unlike any other event in the region.

As the recent severe weather event threatened the Central Coast, Council formed an Incident Management Team in advance of the impacts being realised to ensure that we were mitigating the potential impacts to our community as much as possible.Council closely monitored weather predictions, roads, lakes, waterways and beaches for potential flooding and storm impacts as heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather hit the region.

I support the Minister for Local Government’s response to the Commissioner’s eight recommendations and welcome the much anticipated release of the Commissioner’s report following the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial crisis.

Council is inviting the community to comment on plans to consolidate informal tracks in the Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland between 17 March to 14 April, to share thoughts on the management of these areas. Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) is a unique group of plants and animals that co-exist together on the coastal sands of the Umina-Woy Woy Peninsula, and is listed as an endangered ecological community (EEC).The region’s natural assets are rich and diverse, and their conservation and protection is important.

Central Coast Council’s multicultural event, Flavours by the Sea, will return on Saturday 26 March, bringing the tastes, sights and sounds of the world to the Central Coast.Featuring some of Terrigal’s most beloved eateries, the community is invited to celebrate the Coast’s diversity with a taste of the world’s food, music, and art along the Terrigal Foreshore from 11am to 3pm.Council Unit Manger Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said community members and visitors are invited to come together for this special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our region.“Flavours by the Sea is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community, embracing the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day by showcasing sensational music, art and cuisine from across the world,” Mr Cannard said.“Council is proud to offer the community the long-awaited opportunity to enjoy free live entertainment from Anna Salleh duo and Bobby Alu, as well as Brigitta Dance Project, Iwi Katoa, Tomoka Oka and Tessa Thames.”Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Flavours by the Sea aims to engage residents to participate in their community and build a sense of belonging for an increasingly diverse Central Coast.“This event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise just some of the many diverse cultures that make the Central Coast such a great place to live, work and play,” Mr Hart said.Flavours by the Sea is taking place along The Esplanade, Terrigal on Saturday 26 March 2022 from 11am to 3pm.Community members planning to attend the event are encouraged to remain COVID-safe by practicing social distancing, using hand sanitiser, and are requested to stay home if they are unwell.Free parking is available for attendees at Terrigal’s Wilson street multi-story car park.A temporary road closure will be in place along the Terrigal Esplanade between Campbell Cres and Kurrawyba Ave from 5am Saturday 26 March and will reopen at approximately 5pm.For the duration of the road closures, the bus stop located along the Esplanade will be relocated to Kurrawyba Ave, between Hudson Lane and the Esplanade.The event is suitable for all ages and is an outdoor event.Proudly presented by Central Coast Council and Mounties Group.For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/flavoursbytheseaENDS

The Central Coast is starting to recover from the impacts of the recent severe weather event which saw substantial rainfall and localised flash flooding, however parts of our region are still impacted.Safety and supporting the affected community continues to remain a priority for Council.A Recovery Committee has been established and Council is working with Resilience NSW as we move forward.While water is receding there is still major flooding continuing throughout the Hawkesbury area.

Two Pop-up Recovery Hubs will open at Spencer and The Entrance from Monday 14 March to support affected communities.